|
|
|
4 MIN. READ
The transportation equipment and automotive manufacturing sector is a vital part of the United States economy. It encompasses a wide range of industries, from automobile and truck manufacturers to suppliers of parts and components, as well as companies involved in the design, development, and marketing of vehicles. The many subsectors of this segment afford you sales opportunities for a wide array of materials and parts. Transportation equipment also offers you an impressive marketplace for assemblies and subassemblies, more so than with machinery in general.
This article will explore exclusive data collected directly from more than 10,000 U.S. transportation equipment manufacturers, covering the industry’s key trends and statistics, leading states & geographic regions, employment trends, key sub-sectors, and more.
As a segment of U.S. manufacturing, some transportation equipment statistics are similar to the entire sector. You will find, however, that others vary in notable ways: At MNI, we contact each and every industrial business in the U.S. to gather key details that inform our industrial business profiles. Here’s what we discovered about transportation equipment manufacturers in the United States:
.png)
Looking to do business with the transportation equipment industry? Reach 10,000 transportation equipment companies and 26,000 executives with the Transportation Equipment Industrial Database
Our data on transportation manufacturers finds the U.S. South is home to the most transportation equipment manufacturers, accounting for 35% of the whole. The Midwest follows with 31% and the West accounts for 22%. The East Coast account for 12% of the total.
Transportation equipment remains one of the most diverse and economically significant manufacturing sectors in the U.S., spanning everything from cars and trucks to aircraft, boats, and rail systems. Below are the top 10 states leading the way, based on the number of manufacturers operating in each.
1. California – 1,017 companies (9.9%)
California leads the nation in transportation equipment manufacturing, fueled by a strong aerospace presence and a rapidly growing electric vehicle market. Companies like SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin drive innovation in space and defense, while Tesla and its EV supply chain continue to expand the state’s automotive footprint.
2. Michigan – 717 companies (7.0%)
Michigan remains the historic center of U.S. automotive manufacturing. Home to Ford, GM, and Stellantis, the state also boasts a dense network of suppliers and research facilities focused on mobility, electrification, and advanced vehicle design.
3. Texas – 643 companies (6.3%)
Texas supports a broad range of transportation equipment industries, including automotive assembly, aerospace manufacturing, and commercial vehicle production. Toyota’s major manufacturing presence and a growing aerospace ecosystem contribute to the state’s industrial strength.
4. Florida – 626 companies (6.1%)
Florida’s coastal geography and tourism economy make it a national leader in recreational boat manufacturing. The state also supports defense and aerospace manufacturing, especially around Orlando and the Space Coast, where companies produce components for aircraft and spacecraft.
5. Ohio – 487 companies (4.7%)
Ohio plays a major role in automotive and heavy vehicle manufacturing. The state is home to facilities producing trucks, trailers, and parts, along with a growing presence in aerospace component manufacturing.
6. Indiana – 446 companies (4.3%)
Indiana’s manufacturing base includes automotive assembly plants, commercial truck producers, and a robust recreational vehicle sector. Elkhart, in particular, is internationally recognized as the “RV Capital of the World.”
7. Illinois – 327 companies (3.2%)
Illinois supports a diverse transportation manufacturing base, including automotive parts, construction vehicles, and rail equipment. Its central location and logistics infrastructure further enhance its competitiveness in the sector.
8. Washington – 318 companies (3.1%)
Washington’s dominance in aerospace manufacturing is driven by Boeing and a strong network of suppliers. The state is also involved in producing aircraft parts and systems for both commercial and defense applications.
9. Pennsylvania – 317 companies (3.1%)
Pennsylvania contributes across several segments of the transportation sector, including automotive parts, truck bodies, and rail equipment. Its manufacturing diversity supports both traditional and advanced vehicle technologies.
10. North Carolina – 296 companies (2.9%)
North Carolina is home to a growing number of transportation manufacturers producing motor vehicle parts, trailers, and aerospace components. The state’s skilled workforce and robust transportation infrastructure continue to attract new investment.
The transportation equipment segment covers seven subindustries. With the trend toward onshoring, whether you sell resins or rugs, at least one should offer an opening for a domestic supplier.
Motor Vehicles and Equipment
Forecasters predict that by the close of 2023, Americans will buy 15 million new vehicles. These include cars and light trucks. One million electric vehicles will contribute to the sales boom. Positioning yourself to supply car and truck manufacturers looks like a good bet.
Aircraft and Parts
Following serious supply chain difficulties, this subindustry also expects to see growth. The aircraft engine market looks particularly promising. Part sales are rising in primary and secondary markets. Demand for spares draws increasing interest. You may find this an excellent time to offer them.
Ship and Boat Building and Repairing
The global market for this subindustry grew 8.4% annually over the past year. Future growth is expected to slow to 7.9% through 2027. Still, these are exciting marketplace statistics.
Railroad Equipment
After suffering hard times through the pandemic, railroad equipment is barreling ahead. The subindustry has strong concerns about sustainability. If you offer products or services to address that issue, the time may be right to penetrate this market.
Motorcycles, Bicycles and Parts
Several factors drive growth in this industry. They include traffic congestion, fuel prices, and the demand for sustainability. Increasing consumer interest in electric bikes spurs sales. While this is another subindustry that suffered from supply chain blockages during the pandemic, its recovery appears strong.
Guided Missiles, Space Vehicles and Parts
Predictions have the global market growing at 3.5% annually through 2028. Increased investment in space exploration drives demand. Microsatellites also find a rising market. New technology development will be your key to becoming a supplier.
Miscellaneous Transportation Equipment
This subindustry includes vehicles and accessories such as travel trailers, campers, and tanks. Recreational vehicle sales are down due to consumers' fears about the economy. This trend is projected to reverse in 2024, but at present, this subindustry may not be your first choice for a market to tackle.
The U.S. automotive industry is one of the largest in the world, with major manufacturers such as General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler (now Stellantis) headquartered in the country. These companies, along with foreign manufacturers with significant operations in the U.S., like Toyota, Honda, and BMW, produce millions of vehicles annually, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.
The sector is known for its innovation and technological advancements. From the development of electric vehicles to the integration of advanced safety features and autonomous driving technologies, the U.S. automotive industry continues to be at the forefront of technological innovation.
However, the sector also faces several challenges. These include fluctuating fuel prices, stringent environmental regulations, and changing consumer preferences. The ongoing global chip shortage has also impacted production, leading to delays and increased costs.
The future of the U.S. automotive industry is expected to be shaped by several trends. The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is likely to continue, driven by environmental concerns and supportive government policies. Autonomous vehicles also represent a significant growth opportunity, with many companies investing heavily in this technology. However, the industry must also navigate challenges such as regulatory uncertainties and infrastructure needs.
Demand for hydrogen transportation equipment is on the rise. Many view hydrogen as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. Still, its transportation involves significant challenges. Chilled liquid tanks and pressurized tanks offer an alternative to pressurized pipelines.
Each method is most effective under specific conditions. Pressurized tanks are best for short hauls. Chilled liquid tanks cost less to use for greater distances. Transportation aboard a ship offers an option, as does mixing hydrogen with natural gas.
Since these technologies are in the developmental stage, they are wide open for innovation. If your company prefers to get in on the ground floor of a market, hydrogen transportation equipment could be a good place to start.
Your ability to exploit the opportunities in the transportation equipment industry hinges on making the right contacts at the right time. IndustrySelect can help. With a subscription, you can access complete and up-to-date profiles of companies with needs that match your offerings. You will get locations, competitors, and, most importantly, contact information, including the emails of executives who can close a deal. Try a free demo today and see how far transportation equipment can take you.